Judge, Gio and Kyle likely off COVID list soon THAT WAS
The Yankees replacements from the minor leagues have carved out a heartwarming place in the story of the Bombers’ 2021 season, but three important position players are close to being ready for their return.
Aaron Judge, Gio Urshela and Kyle Higashioka all hit the COVID-19 injury list on July 16. Prior to Thursday’s game at Fenway Park, manager Aaron Boone said the trio of players are all on the right path.
“They’re all doing well,” Boone calmly stated. “We could potentially see Gio by the end of this series. I think he’s actually heading up here on [Thursday or
Friday]. He could possibly be in play for us by the end of the weekend. Higgy and Judge could be here by the end of the weekend and go with us to Tampa.”
He also mentioned that he still expects to have Jonathan Loaisiga back in the bullpen and ready to pitch at some point this weekend. As for Nestor Cortes Jr., who Boone had mentioned as a potential option for one of the four games in Boston, it sounds like he’s a more likely option for the series against the Rays that starts on Tuesday.
Boone did not have a specific update on Wandy Peralta, the other pitcher on the COVID-19 injury list.
STANTON IN LEFT
With a depleted roster particularly in the outfield after Judge’s COVID diagnosis and injuries to Tim Locastro and Trey Amburgey the Yankees might finally be forced into a move that fans have been clamoring for all season. Boone went on record saying Giancarlo Stanton maybe, possibly, at some point, will play the field during this series in Boston.
“It’d be left field here,” Boone said, pointing to the small amount of real estate in front of the Green Monster as a reason for trying it now. “It’s something we talked about for the last few weeks, picking a day here. It’s not for sure yet, but there’s a good chance he could be out there maybe Saturday or Sunday.”
Asked if this would be a starting point for more consistent outfield starts, Boone again mentioned a part of a stadium that would be less taxing on Stanton.
“Here, or right field at home,” Boone listed as comfortable landing spots for the man who’s only played designated hitter this year, as well as a familiar field in Florida. “Hopefully we get him out there, maybe one day this weekend, or one or two days in Miami. If that goes well, especially when Aaron gets back, maybe we’ll pick some spots at home in right field where I can give Judge a DH day.”
CATCHING COLE
With Higashioka still out and Gerrit Cole slated to pitch on Friday, the Yankees’ ace will pitch to Gary Sanchez for just the third time all season. Higashioka has become somewhat of a personal catcher for Cole, and for obvious reasons. Higashioka is the better defensive catcher, and though it doesn’t tell the whole story, Cole has a 2.36 career ERA in 21 starts with Higashioka behind the plate. With Sanchez, it’s 3.49 over 11 games.
Boone said he’s opting to pair Cole with Sanchez over Rob Brantly, who caught Thursday. Each time Sanchez has caught Cole this year — on Opening Day and last Saturday against the Red Sox — the right-hander has gone at least five innings with eight or more strikeouts.
“I’ve felt comfortable with it for a while,” Boone said. “I love Higgy back there with him, they have a great rapport, obviously. But I’ve felt good with Gary and Gerrit working together. I thought they were really good in their last outing.”